The Way of the Ram

by Kevin Hensley

  Healer raised his glass. “Good move.”

  Chapter 72

  “There’s no way we can continue?”

  “Not that I can see, Guz. None of the others are willing to pursue this without Mr. Chugg. I don’t have another living brain to replace the one we lost. And if we don’t restore main power within a couple of hours, I won’t be able to sustain the clone body any longer.”

  A long sigh at the other end of the phone. “Alright, Swill. I guess the project’s aborted.”

  “Believe me, Guz, I’m disappointed too. No one worked harder on this than I did. But I’m afraid this endeavor died with Mr. Chugg.”

  “Yeah. See ya.”

  Guz hung up. Swill leaned back in his seat and let out a shaking breath. He’d done it. The project was cancelled. No one besides him had the technical know-how to detect the computer sabotage he’d committed against the automated cannons. He could make his escape.

  Just one last loose end to tie up. He stuck his head out into the hall. No one was coming. They wouldn’t be. Chugg Cybernetics was pretty low on everyone’s priorities at the moment.

  Swill began shutting down every system still running on backup power, including the machines sustaining the Hogdogger body’s vital functions.

  While he pulled all the plugs, he kept an eye on the screens monitoring the body’s heartbeat, blood pressure, and rate of respiration. They all crept down to zero. Satisfied that the Hogdogger was effectively dead, he stepped over to the tank to take one last look at the creature he had worked so long and hard to build.

  “Goodbye,” he whispered. “Can’t say I’m sad to see you go.”

  BEEP.

  Swill’s ear twitched. He glanced over at the monitors to his right. He thought he’d heard the heartbeat sensor. But that was impossible.

  BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

  “Cheap piece of crap,” Swill grumbled, stepping over to the screen. It was unmistakably running again, displaying a calm, even rhythm of fifty-five heartbeats per minute. A second later, the blood pressure sensor put up a reading again.

  Slowly, Swill took a step and turned back toward the tank. His heart jumped up into the back of his throat as the brown creature behind the glass rolled over in the cloudy fluid.

  “Th-that’s impossible!” Swill shouted to the empty laboratory. He ran over to check that he had powered everything down. There was nothing sustaining the monster’s vital functions.

  A heavy rumble from behind him caught his attention. Terrified, he spun around to look at the tank. The fanged, piggish face was pressed against the glass. Its eyes were open. Bright yellow compound eyes. Most definitely not the sclerotic, dead orbs that every clone had.

  The powerfully muscled arms swung forward and burst the glass tank, spilling the milky fluid all over the floor. The creature shook the dripping liquid off its body. Swill could see it in full view now, and he feared and hated what he saw.

  The flopping ears and pointed face of the red hound clones.

  The leathery hide, bristly mane, and long bottom tusks of the warthogs.

  The sharp white teeth of Pincher.

  The muscled limbs and hunched frame of Mauler.

  And, though not visible, something in its dark, self-satisfied aura evoked Chugg himself.

  Swill scrambled away, but his foot caught on a trailing cord and he fell on his back. The monster crossed the lab in one bound and crouched over Swill, its face an inch from his. The low growl coming from the beast formed into words.

  “You betrayed Chugg,” the Hogdogger said. “My new world will have no room for traitors.”

  Then its jaws parted and it sunk its teeth into Swill’s throat.

  Chapter 73

  Dreamer took a step back, ending another mental therapy session. The little lamb beamed at her and Healer. “I feel better,” the small boy said. “Do we have time to play?”

  Healer returned the lamb’s smile. “We have a couple of minutes before I go to the next house. Why don’t you bring me some of your favorite toys?”

  The young boy scampered off, past his mother. Healer watched him go with a contented expression.

  Dreamer loved to watch Healer work, especially with the children. Every time he attended to one of the quarry lambs, the same thought would cross her mind: He’d be a wonderful father. And every time, she had to push it away. What if it’s Arghast making me think that?

  “Does it bother you at all?” Dreamer asked while they had a second to themselves.

  “Why would I be bothered?”

  “Well… because Arghast manipulated us. Remember when you thought our relationship felt fake? Well, now I’m thinking that way myself. What if you only like me because of Arghast’s interference?”

  Healer sat on the dirt floor and leaned back. “So he used us as a tool to get what he wanted. That happens in life. We’ve all done it, whether we want to admit it or not. We did the same thing to Render. It doesn’t keep us from making the best of it.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “Arghast gave us these powers and brought us together to do one thing—help Render take down Chugg. That’s done. I doubt he meant for us to do anything else we’ve accomplished together. Like free Ponder and Mauler. Or help these people now. That’s our choice.”

  Dreamer nodded. “I think I understand. You won’t let it affect what you do going forward.”

  “Not in the least. We may have been tricked, yes, but we still chose to do everything we’ve done. No one was controlling our minds. No one is forcing me to be in love with you. That’s all me.”

  She took a shuddering breath. “You mean that?”

  “Of course I do.”

  Just then, the little boy came back holding some toys. Healer scooted over to play with him in the middle of the floor.

  “When we’re done with our work,” Healer said over his shoulder, “we’ll finish this discussion.”

  ✽✽✽

  The two of them sat at the top of the wall, close together in the cold evening air.

  “That day we talked about…” Healer began, “it’s actually here. My mission is done. I took on the most powerful pig in existence and won. Ponder and Mauler are freed. There’s nothing left.”

  “Nothing?” Dreamer cocked an eyebrow.

  “You know what I mean. My father was always looking over his shoulder for the enemy. That was the example he set and I’ve followed it. If there’s no enemy… I don’t know what to do.”

  Dreamer lay her head on him. “You’re free, too. You can just live.”

  “I’ve never known how. When Ponder was being arrested, she told us to ‘live our lives.’ And what did I do? I immediately made it my mission to free them. That’s how I operate. Just living is not something I have experience with.”

  “Well, you did say you’d look to me for guidance on that. And I have a feeling you’ll find a new mission soon enough anyway.”

  “I thought about what that would be. Maybe a family.”

  She straightened up and looked at him. “Really?”

  “If you want that, yes. After we’re sure all of this craziness about gods is over and done with.”

  She thought for a minute. “I feel like they won’t allow us that.”

  “That’s not what I asked.” Healer faced her. “What the gods want, whatever purpose they sent us for… I don’t care about that. Not when it comes to us. I asked you what you want.”

  She smiled. “I want you. I want us. And that’s all that matters to you, isn’t it?”

  "Yes. Do you understand that?”

  “I do, Healer.” She put her head back on his shoulder. They sat in silence for a minute.

  “Are you going back to University tonight?” Healer said.

  “I’ve missed enough class. I guess I’d better.”

  “Somehow I imagine Caper will be more than understanding, given the circumstances. But you’re right. I’ll take you back. We should just say goodbye to Ponder and Mauler first.” />
  Dreamer agreed. She led the way down from the wall. They took the road across the quarry, around the ravine to the rocky coast.

  Once they arrived and saw Ponder and Mauler’s handiwork, Healer had to admit he was impressed. They had made a fine two-person boat, which sat upside-down on the cliff top. Mauler was currently caulking the hull with pitch. Ponder was measuring a sail for the large wooden mast lying on the tarp next to her.

  “This is incredible,” Healer said. “How did you get all this?”

  Ponder grinned. “The quarry sheep were quite generous this afternoon. Mauler moved some weighty things for them, I fetched them water, and they gave us all the material we wanted.”

  “Good deal,” Dreamer said. “You’re pretty invested in this trip, it looks like. Too much so for me to ever convince you to change your mind?”

  Ponder sighed and put down her yardstick. “I am afraid so, my darling. Are you leaving for the school?”

  Dreamer walked up to her. “Yes. This is goodbye, I guess.”

  The red creature caressed her face and kissed her forehead. “Be well. You have done a great thing for your people. No one ever imagined that the world would be free of Chugg.”

  She addressed Healer. “I always knew that if this place could change, it would be you who would bring it about. You went further in your pursuit of victory than your father ever did. I hope you know when to stop, because there is no one in this world who can force you.”

  Healer bowed his head. “Hopefully this is the end.”

  Ponder reached out and touched his cheek. “I agree with you.”

  Nodding, Healer stepped away from her and approached Mauler. “Hey, buddy. We’re going to get out of here.”

  The big creature set down his materials and looked out across the ocean. “Our destination lies that way. We will sail west until we find the island we seek. We’ll ship out at noon tomorrow. If you two wanted to leave with us… I would not object to that.”

  Dreamer looked between them, shocked.

  “That’s an appealing offer, Mauler,” Healer said sincerely. “Let us talk about it and sleep on it, alright? You’ll have the answer in the morning.”

  Chapter 74

  Flames leapt fifty feet into the air, a glowing tower that could be seen from Fleece City. Hundreds of angry dogs filled the clearing, feeding the bonfire and shouting loud enough to ensure no one in the forest would sleep that night.

  “The Megatropolis has fallen!” the dogs cried.

  “The Mauler has returned!”

  “We’re calling the Mauler!”

  “It’s time for a change in leadership!”

  General Pincher, roused by the noise, peered out his bedroom window. He had no doubt he could shut these people up, but he was not sure what he would do if the creature that had killed Chugg actually appeared.

  “Stings, doesn’t it?”

  Pincher whirled at the voice. Someone was in his living room. He sprang through the doorway and bared his teeth, but then the scent of pig reached him. He put his ears back and bowed his head.

  The intruder stood up from Pincher’s chair, crossed the room, and pulled open a curtain, throwing orange firelight into the room and illuminating himself.

  “Warden Guz,” Pincher said.

  “I know what it’s like to be paralyzed with fear of the Mauler,” the fat white pig said. “But those days are over. The red creature is no longer of any consequence.”

  “Why is that?”

  “The project is still on. We’re making our move tonight.”

  “Tonight?” Pincher felt the hair on his back standing up. “How? Everything is ruined. Durdge and Chugg are both gone. You’re good at what you do, Guz, but I can’t see you masterminding this thing.”

  “I’m not the one in charge. A greater power has provided. Now, get control of these dogs.”

  “Yes, sir.” Pincher cleared his throat, then threw open his cabin door and stormed off his porch. “What do you all think you’re doing?” he roared.

  The nearest dogs rounded on him, suddenly cowed by the wrathful presence of their general.

  “Calling for a leadership change, huh?” Pincher took a deep breath and let his abnormally loud shouting voice do its work. “Who has the nerve to lead these people if not me?”

  The barking and baying quieted as everyone turned their attention to their infuriated general.

  “Who’s going to do it, then? Who wants to challenge me?” Pincher put his ears forward, scanned the crowd, waited. His snarl became a smile. “That’s what I thought. Now put that inferno out. The disaster at the Megatropolis has brought nothing but ruin. Fleece City is under attack.”

  He paused and let the ripple of surprise move through the crowd. “Now, you all know I wouldn’t shed a tear if that decadent city were to vanish off the face of the planet, but we have a duty to sheep. We will evacuate them to the pig city immediately. Follow me.”

  Chapter 75

  Knock, knock, knock.

  Healer couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was the first restful night he’d had since Shiver had shown up at the clinic to train him several days ago. And someone was pounding on his door. He shook his head, rolled his eyes, and pulled up his sheets.

  Give it a minute, he thought. They’ll get the message and bug off until a decent hour.

  But the banging on his door continued, becoming more insistent. Fighting off a headache, Healer dragged himself out of bed and downstairs. He flipped the switch for the porch light with no result, which gave him pause. He shrugged and opened the door, still groggy. Standing in the doorway was a dignified grey whippet with a severe expression.

  “This better be important,” Healer mumbled.

  “There’s an emergency, sir,” the whippet said in a curt manner that matched his face. “A serious attack has occurred in Fleece City and we have reason to believe the responsible party will move on to other sheep settlements. I have been instructed to bring you to shelter immediately. Come with me.”

  Healer held up a hoof. “OK, pal, slow down. Where are you taking me?”

  “There is a bunker in the Megatropolis. We are escorting all sheep to that location. Orders from General Pincher himself.”

  Healer’s heart jumped up into his throat, bringing his guts with it. It’s still happening. They’re rounding us up for the slaughterhouse.

  “Uh…” he muttered, trying to stall for time to think. “I just need to get some things.” He turned his back on the dog, retreating into his darkened clinic. The whippet darted in after him, reaching out.

  “Sir. You are to follow me immediately. Leave all belongings behi—”

  Healer threw his weight onto his front hooves and flung out his hind legs in a sleepy approximation of the mule kick he had seen his father use more than once. It wasn’t perfect, but fortunately the whippet had not been expecting anything of the sort. Both Healer’s rear hooves caught the dog under the chin and knocked him right out.

  Jumping over the unconscious dog in the doorway, Healer ran out onto the porch. There was no moon because of the blanket of black smoke covering the sky. He could see nothing of Fleece City except for a pillar of fire.

  Once again he felt panic rising in his chest. He took a deep breath and tried to talk himself through it. “Alright, Healer. What’s first? Dreamer’s first. Got to get a hold of her.” He shoved the dazed whippet out of his doorway, slammed and locked the door, and ran for his office phone.

  He heard no dial tone, but that didn’t stop him from trying Dreamer’s dormitory, Caper’s office, and Shiver’s home. Nothing. He dropped the receiver and pushed away another unnerving wave of anxiety.

  “I guess I’m going on foot,” he said to his empty office.

  Chapter 76

  “Hold him, you idiots! It’s just one sheep!”

  “You pups have two seconds to get your teeth off me or I’m gonna start breaking jaws!”

  Healer heard the shouting and veered off the p
ath to investigate. He found a group of sheep marching in a tight formation. At the head was a single dog, shouting orders. At least twenty more brought up the flank and rear. Several hundred feet behind them, another group of dogs were struggling with one sheep. He decided to avoid the flock of sheep in favor of figuring out what the fight was about.

  It turned out to be four angry dogs having an extremely difficult time getting Shiver to cooperate. An ugly chow had his teeth in one of Shiver’s forelegs, a Jack Russell terrier dangled from his neck, and a bulldog and a collie had mouthfuls of the wool of his shoulders. He was putting up tremendous resistance, but they were steadily dragging him along with the others.

  Healer made his entrance by driving his shoulder into the hindquarters of the chow, forcing the dog loose and freeing up Shiver to thrash around. The black ram threw the terrier clear and slammed the collie to the ground. Healer sent the chow rolling several feet with a kick, and Shiver had no problem knocking out the bulldog. They left the dogs lying in a dazed, painful heap as Healer closed up the bite wound in Shiver’s leg.

  “That group there, that’s all my people,” Shiver said. “The quarry sheep. We’ve got to get them free.”

  “There are too many dogs, even for the two of us,” Healer shot back. “Listen, I’m going to the school. I want to group up with Dreamer and the owl. Come with me.”

  Shiver took a long look at the quarry sheep being led away. Tearing his gaze away, he focused on Healer. “You’re right. Let’s go get my girl first.”

  They took off together, swinging wide to avoid the force-marched group of quarry sheep, then followed the burning beacon of Fleece City.

  “Do you know what’s going on?” Shiver asked as they ran. “Why are the dogs doing this?”